On January 29, 2009, the Illinois State Senate voted unanimously to convict Governor Rod Blagojevich of abuse of power, removing him from office. Blagojevich, who had been boycotting the impeachment proceedings, arrived on the Senate floor to make a final plea to remain in office. Although Blagojevich claimed innocence, the senators were unconvinced, voting 59-0 for removal. Blagojevich is the first governor in Illinois history to be impeached and removed from office. Blagojevich was later convicted by a federal jury on one count of making false statements to the FBI.



Learn more about legal action against Rod Blagojevich from the JURIST news archive.